"Hestia, this way, please!"
"Alright."
Hestia snapped out of her shock at Hypnos' voice, shaking her head in disbelief. She had always known her younger brother was formidable, but she had never imagined he could be this terrifying.
The twin gods opened the gates to the Underworld, leading Hestia through them, and soon they arrived at Elysium.
"..."
Hades watched quietly as Hestia stepped through the gates, seemingly pondering why his eldest sister had come to the Underworld.
"Hades," Hestia spoke gently. "I thought your strength was due to your long existence, but I never imagined it would be this astonishing."
Even in Elysium, Hestia could see the towering World Tree that pierced everything. Facing Hades, she couldn't help but express her amazement, finding it hard to put into words.
"Big sister," Hades began calmly. "Why have you come to the Underworld?"
His voice was steady, almost indifferent.
"I..."
Hestia looked at Hades, silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled warmly. "Hades, your big sister might be homeless. Will you let me stay in the Underworld?"
"..."
The twin gods were visibly shocked at her words, quickly averting their gaze to avoid expressing their thoughts.
Goodness!
What did this mean? If Hestia joined the Underworld, would it mean that their lord Hades would soon become the god king? Of course, this wasn't about strength but status. It signified ruling heaven, sea, earth, and the Underworld—the true god king. Uranus was, Kronos was, but now?
In the third generation of gods, it seemed unlikely. Hades was the Underworld King, Poseidon the Sea Emperor, and Zeus the Sky Emperor. None of them would bow to the other, making a true god king impossible.
However, even in name, the benefits of holding this position were substantial. As the saying goes, holding the moral high ground makes anything you say right.
This god king position basically worked on this principle!
Hades said quietly, "Big sister, you should know I have no interest in the so-called god king position. You won't get what you want by joining the Underworld."
Hades made it clear. Hestia, Demeter, and Hera, his three sisters, represented a sort of vote for the god king's throne. With Hestia's support, he would naturally have two votes.
But the issue was.
He truly had no interest in the god king position. Though he wouldn't give it up outright, he just wasn't interested. Forcing him to be interested wouldn't work!
So, some things needed to be clarified in advance. Of course, Hades had no objections to his sister joining. Having a Titan Chief God-level deity under his command was nothing to refuse.
Though Hestia wasn't a true Underworld god, as the goddess of hearth and home, she had some connection to reincarnation. It was a stretch, but a plausible connection nonetheless.
"Hehehe~~~"
Hestia smiled softly. "Hades, as I thought, I have no interest in the god king position either. I want a peaceful life. Zeus won't give me that, and Poseidon is tinkering with strange things. Only you can."
"Fine."
Since Hestia said so, Hades saw no reason to refuse.
Hestia smiled, naturally taking out her godly heart. She understood the formalities, knowing this was part of the ritual.
Hades accepted the godly heart and said quietly, "Big sister, the Underworld needs nothing from you. Live here peacefully if you wish."
Hestia responded warmly, "Thank you, Lord Hades. Now I can truly enjoy a peaceful life."
"Big sister," Hades said quietly. "Just call me Hades."
"Hmm~~~"
Hestia shook her head gently. "Since I am now an Underworld god, proper etiquette is necessary. It's only right."
Hades nodded quietly, not pressing further.
Thus, it was settled. Hestia joined the Underworld, becoming an Underworld god. After creating her own planet, she embraced a reclusive life.
Hestia's nature was gentle and peaceful, not fond of tumultuous events. For her, the best choice was her younger brother Hades.
Zeus's character was always tumultuous, and he was a notorious philanderer. Hestia didn't want to become another one of his victims.
Poseidon was cold, and Hestia felt there was something off about her second brother, who was studying bizarre things.
Choosing between Poseidon and Zeus, Hestia opted for Hades. Upon arriving in the Underworld, she felt her choice was perfect. Hades was the right fit.
As it turned out!
Hestia's choice was correct. Hades had no demands on her. If she wished to join, she could. If the Underworld wasn't at its peak, she wouldn't need to do anything.
However!
Now that she had given her godly heart and joined the Underworld, she was bound to it. When needed, she couldn't refuse.
"Hypnos, Thanatos, prepare to head to the Heart of the Ocean."
"Yes!"
Hades' command had the twin gods preparing the Underworld chariot again. To be honest, they found Hestia's arrival strange, feeling a peculiar sensation.
But!
Thinking it through, they understood. Hera and Demeter joining the Underworld was impossible. Hestia's joining, though unexpected, seemed inevitable.
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